Observer Preps 2017 Football Preview: Foundation Academy Lions

In the first season after district play — and the first season following the program's best-to-date in 2016 — the Lions are hopeful to continue along their upward trajectory.

By Steven Ryzewski
| 12:45 p.m. August 24, 2017

Sports

Coach: Brad Lord (10th year)

2016 record/notes: 7-5; advanced to Class 2A Regional Final

Region: 2A-R2

Players to watch: Lance Axson, senior (cornerback); Eddie Loos, senior (offensive/defensive line); Kenny Ames, senior (tight end/quarterback); Warren Sapp II, junior (defensive end); Gian Reyes, junior (defensive end)

Outlook: After a program-defining campaign in 2016, Brad Lord’s program is looking to continue to build on its positive momentum, with six returning starters on each side of the ball. This fall, the staff at Foundation is excited about its team’s size and abilities on the offensive line, as well as three returning starting receivers on the wings. One difference from years past for Lions fans is that, unlike the team relying heavily on one featured back such as Jaquan Patterson or Gabe Walker, Lord expects there to be more of a running-back-by-committee approach this fall. Finally, with the new playoff formatting, the Lions will have to do significantly more to make the playoffs than they have had to in the past, making this an intriguing season.

Fun fact: The Lions are hopeful that Foundation Academy’s on-campus athletic complex, which will be highlighted by a new football stadium, will be ready in time for the end of the season. The Lions currently play their home games at Walker Field in Winter Garden.

Awesome alumni: Brothers Darius and Denzel Irvin are a linebacker and defensive back, respectively, for the UNC-Charlotte 49ers. Both Irvin brothers made appearances in all 12 of the 49ers’ games in 2016.